Interestingly, one area of consensus in Washington seems to be around AM radio. Legislation may soon require U.S. automakers to equip new vehicles with AM radio.
In a significant display of bipartisan agreement, the House of Representatives voted overwhelmingly on Wednesday in favor of a new law mandating the inclusion of AM radio in all new cars, trucks, and SUVs without any extra costs for buyers. Known as the AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act, this bill instructs the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to ensure that automakers incorporate AM radio as standard equipment in new passenger vehicles. The bill is now set to move to the Senate for further consideration.
Advocates for AM radio have long fought unsuccessfully to establish such a requirement, citing its vital role in delivering emergency information due to its ability to broadcast over long distances. However, increasing support from both sides of the aisle, including voices from the broadcast sector, emergency services organizations, and former officials from the Federal Emergency Management Agency, is advancing this legislation closer to enactment.
Indications suggest that the Senate may mirror the House’s positive response to the bill, which has garnered bipartisan sponsorship from Senators Ed Markey (D-Mass.) and Ted Cruz (R-Texas). Earlier in the year, the senators achieved a crucial milestone by securing 60 co-sponsors for their version of the bill, which is vital for overcoming potential filibuster challenges.
Cruz, who heads the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, alongside Markey, expressed their approval in a shared statement on Wednesday.
“This vote sends a clear message to car manufacturers that AM Radio is a lifeline that must be protected in new vehicles. From emergency response to sports, entertainment, and news, AM radio is an essential communication tool for tens of millions of Americans. It is now time for the Senate to pass the AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act so that it becomes law, ensuring that AM radio remains a reliable resource for commuters and communities across the country,” they stated.
A number of automakers, such as BMW, Rivian, Tesla, and Volvo, have increasingly moved away from incorporating AM radio, opting for software-driven vehicles that feature streaming services like TuneIn and SiriusXM. While Ford had initially eliminated AM radio from several models, the company has since reverted to including it.
Tesla did not provide a statement; Rivian chose not to comment on the matter.
Electric vehicle manufacturers have been particularly vocal about this issue, as electromagnetic interference from electric motors can disrupt AM radio frequencies. Automakers have contended that such interference compromises both the AM signal and audio quality.
Notably, Tesla’s entry-level Model 3 and Model Y vehicles do not come with AM receivers. Rivian’s newly introduced R2 SUV lacks traditional FM or AM radio but provides access to AM/FM content through the iHeartRadio digital platform at no extra charge. Meanwhile, Rivian’s R1S and R1T models allow users to access FM programming either digitally or through a built-in receiver.
